Most of the great achievements throughout history in the fields of art, culture, science and technology have been by teenagers. This may be because they are able to think in new and innovative ways, or their thinking is not hidebound by discredited nostrums. It may be due to the emergence of God-given talent at an early age, and the natural open-mindedness of young people before they may experience attempts to indoctrinate them towards certain worldviews. Biologically the rate of brain development, and according to some studies IQ, reportedly peak in smart individuals just prior to their teenage years.[1]

16 - Jean-François Champollion, can speak a dozen languages and delivers a paper on the Coptic language to the Grenoble Academy. By 20, he can speak another 13 languages and at 32 he deciphers the Rosetta Stone.

19 - Captain Albert Ball, VC, MC, DSO & 2 bars, commences his career as a fighter pilot. By the time he is killed, aged 20, in 1917, he has become one of the First World War's greatest air aces, accounting for at least 44 German aircraft.

19 - was the average age of front-line US service personnel fighting to defend democracy in Indochina during the Vietnam War.